Best Equestrian Camping near Manson, WA

Chiwawa Horse Campground provides dedicated sites for equestrians in the Wenatchee National Forest near Manson, Washington. The campground features toilets and trash facilities while maintaining a rustic, primitive camping experience. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs with ample space for horse trailers. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day to November 1, making it accessible throughout the summer and fall riding seasons. Campers should note that fires are not permitted within the campground boundaries, and drinking water is not available on site. The natural setting offers privacy between campsites with sufficient room for horses and camping equipment.

The campground connects directly to forest service trails, providing extensive riding opportunities throughout the surrounding wilderness areas. Riders access multiple trail systems directly from their campsites without needing to trailer horses to trailheads. The terrain varies from gentle forest paths to more challenging mountain trails suitable for different riding abilities. Mosquitos can be thick in June but typically diminish with drier weather in July. Nearby Lake Wenatchee offers additional recreation opportunities when not riding. Campers should bring their own water supply for both personal use and for horses, as no drinking water is available at the campground. The campground's location provides a strategic base for exploring multiple trail systems throughout the central Cascade Mountains.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Manson, Washington (9)

    1. Alta Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Pateros, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 923-2473

    "The park itself is really well maintained, and in a beautiful location. The lake and surrounding hills were beautiful."

    "Alta Lake is a nice, clean park with decent tent sites. We had a site in Loop 2 on the right (on the lake side). It was away from the main area, parking lots, boat launch or store, so pretty quiet."

    2. Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Leavenworth, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 763-3101

    "The campground is divided into two parts by a crisp clear and cold Wenatchee River, flowing out of Lake Wenatchee, locat d in the central Cascade Mountains of Washington."

    "_We love camping in this area of Washington. There are so many campsites and each one is just far away from the nearest town which is so nice to know that you won't be bothered by the busy road."

    3. Nason Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Leavenworth, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 763-0700

    $27 / night

    "Being surrounded by the tall Washington trees and a distant sound of the babbling creek felt like a dream."

    "We stayed 1 night at site 57 near the river on our way over the pass and it was a nice stay. Lots of campsites spread out among several campgrounds."

    4. Cottonwood Campground

    1 Review
    Stehekin, WA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 784-1511

    6. American Legion Park

    3 Reviews
    Conconully, WA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 422-3600

    "Nice park beside very slow river adjacent to busy road. No dogs on grass. Garbage. Picnic tables. Shaded. Stay 72 hours. Warm shower. Flush toilet. $10/night/vehicle or tent"

    7. Lake Valhalla Backcountry Camping

    2 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    44 miles
    Website

    "This was a gorgeous hike along the pacific crest trail (PCT) that ended at a beautiful alpine lake."

    8. Lake Janus

    1 Review
    Skykomish, WA
    44 miles
    Website

    9. De Roux Campground

    1 Review
    Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, WA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 852-1100
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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Manson, WA

84 Reviews of 9 Manson Campgrounds


  • Susan L.
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Stunning scenery, great location!

    The campground is divided into two parts by a crisp clear and cold Wenatchee River, flowing out of Lake Wenatchee, locat d in the central Cascade Mountains of Washington. The deep lake is glacier fed, the campgrounds are well loved by locals. Nice pay showers, and the outside campsites in the north part of the campground feel more secluded. Mosquitos are thick in June, but leave due to dry hot weather in July. Huckleberries sling simple hiking trails. Nearby “Enchantments” hikes are more challenging and spectacular.

  • Amanda E.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Nason Creek Campground

    A serene setting.

    After camping here for the maximum two week period, I was absolutely in love. Being surrounded by the tall Washington trees and a distant sound of the babbling creek felt like a dream. An easy ten minute walk led you to Lake Wenachee, the most amazing alpine lake with a great beach and camp store where you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and get ice cream. The campground hosts were very friendly and there are flush toilets and running water as well.

  • Beverly M.
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    We love camping in this area of Washington. There are so many campsites and each one is just far away from the nearest town which is so nice to know that you won't be bothered by the busy road. I always have the best time and have the best memories here.

  • M
    Oct. 28, 2020

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Amazing campsite great for family and friends!

    We love Lake Wenatchee and it has become an annual trip with a couple other families that we camp with.  The sites are roomy and well taken care of.  The bathrooms are clean and accessible.  There are some great trails that you can walk to and more if you're up for a drive.

    The lake is beautiful, though it gets really windy in the late afternoon, so you'll want to spend you time there earlier in the day.

    The town of Plain is close by and has a really useful grocery store with great ice cream and a good selection of emergency supplies.  There is also a laundromat behind the grocery store, just in case!

  • Jason G.
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Alta Lake State Park Campground

    One of the nicer state parks

    Personally I really enjoyed this park and camping. The park itself is really well maintained, and in a beautiful location. The lake and surrounding hills were beautiful. Even with the few private homes nearby, it didn't really take away from the scenery in my opinion.

    I camped in the upper loop in a site that backed to the hill side. The layout of the sites are very unique, no two sites (in the upper loop at least) are alike. My spot had a lower parking area with room for two cars. The you step up to the "living room" where the picnic table and fire pit were, then off of that area was a isolated tent pad area.

    The next spot over on one side was up hill from me, so didn't really see them (but could hear them). The spot on the other side was closer and lacked a little bit of privacy, but as far as state parks go, it was still fairly spread out. I was also there for a Saturday and Sunday night, so Sunday the park completely emptied out and I think there were only 2 or 3 others in the entire upper loop, and not near me at all, which was nice.

    I'm sure there are times when the lake gets overrun with motor boats and jet skis, but the weekend I was there (6/8 & 6/9) wasn't to bad at all. Paddle boards and kayaks outnumbers the boats with motors, and even those weren't racing around the lake, they were all fishing.

    I mostly camp in dispersed camping areas, but this is a state park I would put on my short willing to return to list.

  • Casey R.
    Jun. 3, 2016

    Alta Lake State Park Campground

    Great tent site with essentially a private beach area.

    Alta Lake is a nice, clean park with decent tent sites. We had a site in Loop 2 on the right (on the lake side). It was away from the main area, parking lots, boat launch or store, so pretty quiet. Our site was sweet, it had a trail down to a small open sandy stretch of beach that was basically our own private beach. Took the cooler and a pop up tent and enjoyed the beach all day. We went in August and it was hot, the lake was super refreshing! (photo from WA State Parks & Rec commission)

  • J
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Average campground but access to lake is great

    Site was adequate. The picnic table was super close to the fire pit and a huge rock but you can’t move it. The table is chained to the ground. The site has decent shade during the day. But enough exposure to dry clothing and tents. Baths are okay. The shower rooms were clean. $0.50 for 3 minutes. Water was close by. Garbage and bathroom were a short walk.

  • Justin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Great camping near Lake

    Quite liked this campground, a few things to note first about the site then the park.

    Site: 31 Great distance between tent pad and picnic table with a few well placed trees for hammock/ clothing line Fire ring was great distance from picnic table. Great privacy (granted the people in the site next to us weren’t there) Close walk to bathroom/showers & Trash Short 5 minute walk to the lake.

    Park: Showers were actually free Normally it is pretty windy, but there was no wind both days we were present Mosquitos were worse than usual, but a constant cost of DEET and a anti mosquito candle kept them at bay, still got bit up a bit There is a pretty legit store with camping stuff, espresso, and ice cream Playground near beach area By the beach there was a dude selling kayak/ paddle board rentals, he does not come on especially windy days Kind Staff, met camp hosts dog

    I’ve also attached some photos of the RV sites from the north campground

    Definitely will come back

  • Charlotte H.
    Jul. 20, 2018

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Great for a day trip, won't be staying overnight again

    Beautiful setting next to Lake Wenatchee, tucked between mountains. Great beach area for playing, playground, and camp store. Unfortunately, worst mosquitoes ever encountered and the mountains funneling wind across the lake curtailed our visit. Campsites are close together without much flora in between, so noise levels are loud and unfortunately quiet times were not followed or enforced.


Guide to Manson

Horse camping in Washington offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and hit the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Chiwawa Horse Campground provides a clean and well-maintained environment, perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful stay with their horses.
  • Nason Creek Campground features several sites near the creek, allowing for a refreshing dip after a day of riding.
  • Cottonwood Campground offers a typical national forest experience with decent space between spots, making it a great choice for horse camping.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access

  • Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground is well-reviewed for its proximity to beautiful trails and the lake, ideal for both riders and their horses.
  • Alta Lake State Park Campground allows for easy access to various paths, making it a fun spot for family rides and exploration.
  • Lake Janus is located along the Pacific Crest Trail, providing a scenic route for horseback riding enthusiasts.

Tips for equestrian camping near Manson, Washington

  • When visiting De Roux Campground, be prepared for limited privacy and a dusty road, but enjoy the well-maintained facilities.
  • At American Legion Park, you can find a convenient spot for a quick overnight stay with your horse, though it’s more of a city park setting.
  • Lake Valhalla Backcountry Camping offers a breathtaking experience, but remember that fires aren’t allowed, so pack warm clothing for chilly nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Manson, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Manson, WA is Alta Lake State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Manson, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Manson, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.